THE LOOK

Miami Beach Style “Rejects Trends and Embraces Personality”—and Isn’t Entirely Neon

by Rose Marie Cromwell

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Miami style rejects trends and embraces personality,” says the photographer Rose Marie Cromwell. “People are free to be who they are, and [South Beach] is a great metaphor for this freedom.” Over the past few weeks, Cromwell has photographed the Magic City’s locals and visitors alike, ostensibly switching the term “street style” for “beach style.” And with the arts-and-culture world turning its eye to South Florida—the annual Art Basel returns this coming week, and with it, a massive influx of gallery shows, brands and parties—we thought it would be a perfect complement to showcase Miami in its most relaxed (and most charismatic) form. (No spotlights or sponsored soirees.) “I tried to search past the ‘shock’ value of South Beach-Las Vegas partiers who wear only fluorescent colors,” adds Cromwell. “I was looking for the authenticity in the everyday. Miamians and visitors come to the Beach to challenge themselves physically, or rejuvenate their minds, or express themselves. It is a loving, healthy and inclusive scene.”

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Jessica Johnson, 23, works out at the Calisthenics Public Gym on South Beach. She recently moved from Los Angeles to Miami and is a gymnastics coach. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Rejeanne Tambis, 28, Jashonte Hollis, 21, college student, and Demitrius Monfield, 27, a producer and music artist (@young_meech28). Demitrius lives in North Beach, and the other two are visiting from Maryland. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

A young Miami local leaves the beach after a day out with her family. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Kimanthi Davis, 27, is about to open a hair salon. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Alan Alacron, 25, Skateboarder and Creative Director (@ahhlurkin), and Ramon Castellanos, 24, Videographer (@thaphonk), came from skating and filming to cool off on South beach with friends. Both are from Miami. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Eric, 28, works out regularly on the walking path in North Beach and lives nearby. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Jamal Daniels, 16, is on vacation with his family to celebrate his birthday. He is from Ohio. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Pablo, 27, originally from Colombia, now lives in Miami. He works as a Chef in the Doral neighborhood. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Laura Catana (@thelauracatana), 34, is a music industry professional and lives in South Beach. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Mishell Loli, 25, came from Peru to Miami for a juggling competition. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

A local woman walks Collins Avenue in North Beach. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Amanda Björn (@amandabjorn), 30, an artist, lives in South Beach. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Stacey Stedman, 27, a hairstylist, was on vacation with her friends from NYC. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Alan Alacron, 25. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Jonathan Carson, 37, and Sylvia Gallardo, 35, are both postal workers from NYC. They came to Miami to celebrate his birthday. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.

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Rose Marie Cromwell

Mark, 29, a Miami local comes to the beach to meditate when he’s not studying criminal justice. Photograph by Rose Marie Cromwell for W Magazine.